Teaching
The Wetland Biogeochemistry Laboratory promotes wetland education by offering interdisciplinary courses, organizing seminars, symposia, short courses, and by holding workshops.
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On Campus Courses
Environmental Biogeochemistry
SWS4223
This course is designed to introduce undergraduates to the field of biogeochemistry. The material is based on the physical, chemical, and biological processes that govern the elemental composition of the natural environment (including the biosphere,hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere), and the cycles of matter and energy that transport the Earth's chemical components in time and space. The course is designed primarily as a discussion of topics, however, homework and problem sets foster quantitative analysis so that students can have a taste of real world application of biogeochemical theory. The graduate version is distinguished from the undergraduate by the inclusion of more essay type questions on exams, as well as the additional requirement of a brief research paper for which they also must prepare a short classroom lecture.
Topics that are covered include elemental/nutrient cycles and processes, interactions between elemental cycles, effects and consequences of human activity (e.g., pollution, global warming/climate change), and potential solutions for mitigating impacts at local, regional and global scales. The course text is Mackenzie, F.T. 2011. Our Changing Planet: An Introduction to Earth System Science and Global Environmental Change. 4th Edition. Prentice Hall.
Wetland Biogeochemistry
SWS6448
This course is designed as a graduate level study of biogeochemistry with specific application to wetland and aquatic environments. The course is much more focused on processes of nutrient cycling than the undergraduate SWS4223. The audience remains diverse, including students from engineering, agriculture, biological/ecological, and even policy backgrounds. Topics covered include microbial physiology/ecology, elemental cycles and processes, interactions between cycles, effects and consequences of human management activities (e.g., pollution, global warming/climate change), specific application of biogeochemical concepts (identifying nutrient impacts to ecosystems, management and treatment of wastewater, and wetland restoration).
The text for this course is Reddy, K. R., and R. D. DeLaune. 2008. Biogeochemistry of Wetlands: Science and Applications. CRC Press., Boca Raton, Florida. pp. 774. http://www.crcpress.com.Advanced Biogeochemistry Lab
SWS6456
This course is designed for advanced PhD level graduate students to explore the current topics, theory, and directions of global biogeochemical research.
Focus topics vary from year to year, but the major emphasis is on understanding the coupled nature of biogeochemical cycles as they apply to environmental change.
The course is also intended to prepare graduate students to move beyond basic theory by 1) stimulating hypotheses development based on critical evaluation of the recent literature, 2) improving students communication skills in open discussion and academic presentation settings, and 3) introducing students to the scientific team approach to multidisciplinary research.
Each of the objectives is accomplished through classroom activities (e.g., interactive lecture discussion, and scientific paper and project presentations), as well as independent research (individual and groups). The course culminates in the development of a hypothetical, NSF style research proposal.
Wetlands
SWS4244
Introduction to wetland ecosystems with emphasis on principles and problems associated with their functions and values as related to water quality. Students will become familiar with basic and applied concepts in hydrology, soils, and vegetation of both constructed and natural wetlands. This is an interdisciplinary course which covers various topics of wetlands including hydrology, vegetation, hydric soils, biogeochemistry, and water quality The course is taught accordingly by professors with expertise in each of these subjects. Offered as a distance education course.
Hydric Soils
SWS5247
Concepts, field identification, and delineation of hydric soils. Instruction in accordance with National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils and with regulatory agencies.
Wetlands and Water Quality
SWS5242
Introduction to natural and constructed wetland ecosystems with emphasis on problems associated with eutrophication and water quality. Hydrology, soils, and biogeochemistry. Offered as distance education course.
Ecosystems of South Florida
SWS5235
(2 weeks - Summer Semester) The Soil and Water Science Department, University of Florida-IFAS, is offering an intensive 2-week course in Summer A. The objectives of the course are to familiarize students with the complex mosaics of ecosystems in south Florida, expose students to real-world science and policy issues, and provide an understanding of the many governmental entities and special interests related to south Florida’s fragile aquatic and wetland ecosystems.
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Distance Education Courses
About SWS Distance Education Courses
Wetlands
Introduction to wetland ecosystems with emphasis on principles and problems associated with their functions and values as related to water quality. Students will become familiar with basic and applied concepts in hydrology, soils, and vegetation of both constructed and natural wetlands. This is an interdisciplinary course which covers various topics of wetlands including hydrology, vegetation, hydric soils, biogeochemistry, and water quality The course is taught accordingly by professors with expertise in each of these subjects. Offered as a distance education course.
Environmental Biogeochemistry
This course will examine the biogeochemical systems of the Earth and consider the effects of life on the Earth's chemistry on a global scale. Topics covered include element cycling, coupled biogeochemical cycles, and solutions for global change including economic valuation of natural ecosystem functions.
Wetlands and Water Quality
SWS5242
Introduction to natural and constructed wetland ecosystems with emphasis on problems associated with eutrophication and water quality. Hydrology, soils, and biogeochemistry. Offered as distance education course.
Biogeochemistry of Wetlands
This course focuses on the Biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and redox cations in wetland soils and sediments, as related to their agronomic and ecological significance. Offered as a distance education course.
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Short Courses
Biogeochemistry of Wetlands: Science and Applications
The objective of this course is to provide exclusive training to professionals on basic concepts involved in biogeochemical cycling of nutrients and other contaminants in wetlands, as related to soil, water, and air quality.